Mark Your Calendar for 30th Ag Expo, July 21-23 at MSU

Ag Expo, Michigan?s largest outdoor farm show, returns to the Michigan State University campus July 21-23 for its 30th anniversary run.

The 2009 Ag Expo will take place July 21-23.

Ag Expo, Michigan?s largest outdoor farm show, returns to the Michigan State University campus July 21-23 for its 30th anniversary run, bringing a variety of educational and commercial activities and exhibits to the state's agricultural community as well as homeowners, families and anyone who wants to know more about the state's second-largest industry.

New to this year's show is "Profitable Environmental Options for Livestock Producers," a one-day (July 21) series of demonstrations at the MSU Beef Cattle Research Center. MSU experts will discuss feeding sites, feeders and bunker silos, watering systems, cattle handling and pasture seeding options.

Another new feature for 2009 will be on-site seed plots from commercial seed companies. Visitors will be able to talk with seed company reps while looking at examples of the companies? corn, soybean and wheat hybrids.

Also on the Ag Expo grounds, visitors can take part in ride-and-drive demonstrations of skid steers, zero-turn mowers, tractor and wheel loaders, and draft horses. They can also take in lawn tractor (July 21) and antique tractor (July 22) pulls and watch the state FFA tractor driving contest (July 21).

The MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) will once again present a tent full of "Family Futures" with education and activities for residents of all ages. The United Dairy Industry of Michigan will present a daily recipe demonstration in the tent at 11:45 a.m., and the MSU Dairy Store will offer free ice cream while accepting donations to support CANR scholarships.

"We've got a great mix of educational activities, ride-and-drive demonstrations and informational presentations planned for this year's show," said Ruth Hohl Borger, Ag Expo director. "Whether you manage 1,000 acres or mow a half-acre lawn, you?re guaranteed to learn something new at Ag Expo."

Ag Expo features commercial farm equipment from throughout the Midwest and several Canadian provinces on the 35-acre main exhibition site and the 40-acre field demonstration area, as well as educational exhibits from several MSU colleges and departments.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 21 and 22, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23. Admission to the grounds and parking at Farm Lane and Mt. Hope Road are free. Because of the construction on Farm Lane, the Ag Expo parking area and grounds will be accessible only from Mt. Hope Road.

For more information about Ag Expo, call 800-366-7055 or visit www.agexpo.msu.edu.

Ag Expo is sponsored by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

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